Barbarians 'taking the game to a different level' with launch of women's team

The Barbarians have announced plans to launch a women's team, who will play their first game against Munster next month.

Founded in 1890, the invitational club has enjoyed a long and star-studded history, with a number of the sport's biggest names having donned the famous black-and-white jersey.

And stars of the women's game will continue that fine tradition against the Irish side at Thomond Park on November 10, with further matches against club, provincial and international teams set to be announced in the future.

The Baa-Baas will be coached by England's 1994 World Cup winner and current Wasps Ladies director of rugby Giselle Mather, and players from seven different nations are set to take to the field against Munster.

"The Barbarians are one of the reasons I fell in love with rugby and to be coaching this side is a massive honour," said Mather.

"I can't wait to get these players from all different nationalities together with everything they bring from their different environments. It's going to be a massive opportunity for all these athletes.

"The state of the women's game is phenomenal at the moment following events like the World Cup and the launch of the Tyrrells Premier 15s in England. With the Barbarians coming in on top of that it's taking the game to a different level."